Holiday Parties: How They Can Represent Your Company Culture

As the song goes, this is the season to be jolly. And many companies work hard to ensure that they provide a fantastic year-end experience to their staff in the form of a holiday party. Whether your company prefers a small, intimate gathering or a huge formal blow-out will be largely dependent on your overall office culture. What is important is understanding just exactly how your office party can reflect who you are as a business and project your image to employees and their families. Here are some tips to ensure that your company party perfectly echoes your corporate culture.

Set an annual date well in advance. The first step to a successful holiday part is establishing the date ahead of the season. Many companies will select a date that remains consistent each year. For example, the first Friday of December works because it is before most of your staff have made other holiday commitments. This way, even the new hires will be able to plan around the holiday party each year.

Choose the type of event. Is your office considered casual and fun? Why not do something creative? A day at a theme park can be a good choice. Or, if you prefer a more traditional event, host dinner at a favorite local restaurant. You can throw a party requiring formal attire or host a pot luck in your break room. Whatever you choose, it should showcase your corporate personality.

Contact services necessary. If you need the party catered, don’t wait until the last minute to contact a catering company. The holidays are the busiest times for these sorts of companies, so make sure you book well in advance. The same goes for making dinner reservations or booking a party space.

Create an invite to reflect your brand. Most companies assume that they’ll just send a memo to the staff to let them know where and when the company holiday party is being held. But you may want to go one step further. Create an invitation that reflects your brand. Make this party special for everyone, not just a requirement.

Know who to invite. It is also essential to know who is invited to the party. Some organizations prefer their holiday parties be for employees only. Many will invite the employees and their spouse, partner, or one guest. Others will decide to host family friend events where everyone is invited. Be clear about expectations.

Determine your policy on alcohol. Finally, there is a bit of important business that’s necessary for throwing a safe holiday party. You need to determine your policy on alcohol. You may offer an open bar or a cash bar. Or you may allow the staff to BYOB. In any case, make sure you are encouraging safe behavior. Provide information for cab companies or make sure everyone has the Uber app available.

How did your company celebrate the holidays this year?If you’re thinking about next season already, contact our team in Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles and Orange County to learn more today!